Devi Vishwakumar, a 15-year-old Indian American girl, is the main character of the show “Never Have I Ever,” which delves deeply into themes of grief, cultural identity, and the complexities of high school life. After the sudden and devastating loss of her father—the parent she felt closest to—Devi finds herself struggling to cope with her grief while also trying to fit in and thrive at her Southern California high school. Determined to reinvent herself and escape the shadow of her pain, she sets her sights on improving her social status and pursues a bold goal: losing her virginity to the popular and attractive Paxton Hall-Yoshida. As Devi navigates the difficulties of adolescence, the show, created by Mindy Kaling and inspired by her own experiences, explores not only Devi’s journey through mourning but also her evolving relationships with her strict yet loving mother, her loyal friends, and her various love interests. Through humor and heartfelt moments, “Never Have I Ever” paints a vivid portrait of a teenager caught between two cultures, wrestling with loss, and searching for her place in the world. Devi Vishwakumar’s background in “Never Have I Ever” is shaped by the sudden and traumatic loss of her father, Mohan, who died of a heart attack during a school concert. This devastating event triggered a psychosomatic response in Devi, leaving her temporarily paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for three months. As a first-generation Indian American, Devi’s coming-of-age journey is marked by her struggle to process her grief while also dealing with the everyday pressures of high school, cultural expectations, and her complicated family dynamics. Her relationship with her mother, Nalini, is particularly strained, as both mother and daughter grieve in unusual ways—Nalini’s strictness and inability to openly express affection often led to misunderstandings and emotional distance between them. Living with her cousin Kamala, who is frequently held up as the “perfect” child, only intensifies Devi’s feelings of inadequacy and comparison. Throughout the series, Devi tries to use her grief as a shield, avoiding her pain until she eventually seeks help from her therapist, Dr. Ryan. The show follows Devi as she navigates academic ambitions, such as her dream of attending Princeton, and explores her romantic life, including her rivalry and eventual long-distance relationship with Ben Gross. Central to Devi’s story is her experience as a first-generation Indian American, constantly balancing the expectations of her heritage with her desire to fit in and find her own identity, making her journey both relatable and deeply personal.
If you love the game of “Never Have I Ever” or love romance drama TV series or movies, i recommend this show if you are interested. It’s a good show and many people love it already. As for me, I would give it 11.5/10.
